The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli awarded the winners of the 77^th  Georgian Women's Chess Championship. Nino Batsiashvili became the champion of Georgia with 7.0 points, who won this title for the third time. Meri Arabidze (6.5) and Bela Khotenashvili (6.5) shared the second and third places, respectively.

Mikheil Chkhenkeli: “It is a great honor to be a part of such an occasion. Our country has a long and rich chess tradition and I am pleased that despite the pandemic, chess has maintained the spirit that has always accompanied this sport in Georgia.

In the days of the pandemic, the Chess Federation held remarkably interesting events and used the online space rather creatively. I would like to especially highlight the great role of chess in our extremely important TV School project. Chess lessons made a significant contribution to the success of the project, which once again reassured us that the role of chess at schools is of paramount significance. I vow, that the ministry will do its best to introduce chess lessons to all schools throughout Georgia. Chess is not just a sport; it is at the same time the best means of training the mind.

Once again, I would like to congratulate you with an outstanding performance. I am glad that strong chess traditions continue in Georgia.”

Nona Gaprindashvili Chess Palace, located in Vera Garden, Tbilisi hosted the championship on July 20-30. 10 women chess players participated in the Georgian championship. The tournament was held according to FIDE rules, in a circular system, compiled of 9 rounds.

The Women's Chess Championship opened on the International Chess Day - July 20. It is noteworthy that after a long pause caused by a pandemic, this championship is one of the first sporting events to be resumed. The champion of Georgia and prize-winners were awarded with special medals and diplomas. All participants were awarded with cash prizes. The prize pool of 30,600 was distributed as following: I place - 10,000 GEL, II place - 7,000 GEL, III place - 5,000 GEL).

The 77^th Women's Championship is organized by the Georgian Chess Federation together with partner companies, supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia.